Volunteers from Greenwich Wildlife Network rescued Billy in mid-August after an abscess on his foot burst and became infected.
He was whisked away in an IKEA shopping bag and taken to a wildlife hospital, where he underwent surgery on his foot.
Although the operation was successful, it showed that the infection had spread to his bones. That meant Billy needed a course of strong antibiotics and an extended stay away from Thamesmead.
After a six-week absence from his family, Billy was well enough to return to Southmere Lake on Saturday.
Chris Smith, from Greenwich Wildlife Network, said: “It was an incredibly difficult decision to take Billy away, but we were advised that it was the correct thing to do for him and gave him the best chance of making a full recovery.”
Chris and his fellow volunteers visited Southmere Lake every day to keep a close eye on the rest of the family while dad was missing. He revealed that Billy, known as Psycho to some residents due to his feisty temperament, wasn’t always on his best behaviour during his hospital stay.
“True to his name, he wasn’t the best patient and was even bullying the other waterbirds!” said Chris. “It was nice to see him back with his missus and cygnets.”
Chris brought Billy back to Southmere Lake to release him on Saturday evening. The swan, who was clearly eager to get back into the water, flapped his wings and flew off to find his family.
Following his release on Saturday evening, Billy was spotted taking it easy on Sunday. He was floating around close to Cygnet Square with his head and neck resting on his body for an afternoon snooze.
Another Greenwich Wildlife Network volunteer, Thamesmead resident Nick Pledger, added: “I checked on Billy yesterday and he was with his partner and all five cygnets.”
Follow Greenwich Wildlife Network’s work helping sick and injured animals in Thamesmead and across the areas by joining its Facebook Group.
